How Fixing a "Broken Cheeseburger" Brought Chili's Compassion to Light

April 3rd, 2014

Almost one year from the day when a young girl with autism was served a "broken cheeseburger" and a team member unknowingly saved the day, the lessons of compassion and understanding learned from a viral Facebook post still endure at every Chili's Grill & Bar restaurant across the country.

The story began at a Chili's in Midvale, Utah where a server presented a little girl with her Kid's Cheeseburger cut in half. Unbeknownst to the server, however, Chili's standard presentation of a sliced cheeseburger signified the burger was "broken" to the guest. The server quickly had a new dish made and while the deed was seemingly small for the restaurant team, it made a profound impact on the child and her family as she joyfully kissed the "fixed" cheeseburger.

A family member's Facebook post thanking the restaurant for their care in the matter garnered attention from national media and thousands of Chili's fans. Since then, the server and young girl's friendship has continued and inspired the brand's recent efforts to support the autism community. On Monday, April 7 as part of National Autism Awareness Month, participating Chili's restaurants nationwide will host a Give Back Event, donating 10 percent of qualifying guest checks to the National Autism Association (NAA).

"The 'Broken Cheeseburger' story shines a light on the caring spirit and actions of Chili's team members. These moments happen in our restaurants every day, at every table, at every Chili's across the country," said Krista Gibson, chief marketing officer for Chili's Grill & Bar. "We are proud to support the National Autism Association while celebrating one of the brand's favorite stories of hospitality during nationally recognized Autism Awareness Month."

To contribute to NAA, guests simply need to mention the Give Back Event to their server or show the event flier when dining at any of the 1,249 participating Chili's restaurants for lunch or dinner Monday, April 7. NAA is a nonprofit organization providing research funding, advocacy, support and education for the autism community with the goal of helping all affected by the neurodevelopmental disorder reach their full potential.

"We are extremely grateful to everyone at Chili's for supporting the National Autism Association's programs with this Give Back Event," said Wendy Fournier, president of the National Autism Association. "As parents of children with autism, we were incredibly touched last year when we heard about the 'Broken Cheeseburger' story because what may seem like just a small act of kindness can truly mean the world to families like ours."

For more information and to find a local Chili's restaurant supporting NAA, visit Chilis.com.